COMPETITION WINNER ANNOUCED!

Obvious Photoshopped image of Sean Alexander

Candy Jar Books is pleased to announce the winner of the Lethbridge-Stewart Short Story Competition. The winning story, Boys Don’t Cry, is written by Sean Alexander from Holyhead, north Wales.

Shaun Russell, head of publishing at Candy Jar, says: “Sean has written a touching and heartfelt short story. His take on the Brig was unique amongst the entries. His story is set at Brendon School where the Brig has to uncover the truth about an awful tragedy.

Andy Frankham-Allen, range editor of the Lethbridge-Stewart series of books, agrees: “Boy’s Don’t Cry is a wonderful little tale of life in Brendon, and we picked it because it showed a great understanding of the Brigadier, as well as the author displaying a knack for writing great prose. Add to that, the setting is one we’ve wanted to further explore in the main range, so as part of the winning prize, I’ll be working with Sean Alexander on developing another tale of Brendon School which will serve as a back-door pilot for a possible new range of novellas.”

Sean Alexander says: "In true Doctor Who producer style, I'm surprised and delighted to be chosen as the winner of Candy Jar's short story competition! Opportunities like this are few and far between, so my heartfelt thanks to Shaun and Andy for selecting me. I look forward to our collaboration on a brand new Lethbridge-Stewart novella later in the year. Splendid fellows, both of them!"

The book also features eight other exclusive short stories featuring Lethbridge-Stewart at various stages in his life. This is a chance for fans to see the Brigadier like they’ve never seen him before!

The eight stories are:
The Stranger Paradox by Thomas Firth
Soldier in Time by Martin Gregory
Burning Daylight by Paul Chase
The Brigadier Rides Again by Ross Hastings
In Machina Exspiravit by Anthony Robertson
Special Responsibility by Gary Tinnams
Shadows in the Glen by Richard Brewer
The Man with the Red Case by Matthew Ball

The idea for the Lethbridge-Stewart Short Story Competition came from the company’s commitment to shedding light on fresh writing talent. Since 2015 the Lethbridge-Stewart novels have championed previously unknown authors such as Jonathan Macho and Gareth Madgwick, alongside famous writing names in the Doctor Who universe including John Peel, Nick Walters, Simon A Forward and David A McIntee.

All royalties from each book will be donated the Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff. Shaun, who received chemotherapy treatment at the centre, says: “In 2015 I was diagnosed with bowel cancer, just as we were launching the first Lethbridge-Stewart series. As you can imagine, undergoing six months of treatment was physically and emotionally draining. If it wasn’t for the support of the centre I wouldn’t have got through this difficult time. This is my way of giving something back.”

CANDY JAR COMPLETES CHANNEL 5 ADVERTS!

Candy Jar Films was asked by 'What's in the Bible?' to produce a series of short 'stings' to appear during ad breaks for the Channel 5 TV series 'The Bible' broadcast on Channel 5 in November.

Created by Phil Vischer, famous for producing VeggieTales, 'What's in the Bible?' sets out to teach kids (and parents!) the story of the Bible. Many of us know the stories of Moses, Noah, David, and Jesus, but in this ground-breaking new family video series, the audience is shown how they all fit together to tell one big, redemptive story. In 'What's in the Bible?' Buck Denver and his friends take the audience on a journey through the whole Bible, featuring witty dialogue, fast-paced animation and catchy tunes.

The Candy Jar team set out to interview children from local schools about their knowledge of the Bible, using funny and interesting responses to create the stings. Shot in front of a 'green screen', we then replaced the background with a variety of different colours in post production.

Thanks to Albany Road School and Roath Primary School for allowing us to come in and film during the day.

Candy Jar Films is available for all kinds of filming work - big or small. Please get in touch to see how we can help you.

Candy Jar Films

AUTHOR TERRY COOPER TAKES HIS 10 PER CENT!

Kangazang! author Terry Cooper does more than just write. As well as being an artist, graphic designer, rapper and Captain Jack Sparrow lookalike he also puts his talents to acting. Recently, Terry starred in the short film 10 PER CENT by up and coming filmmaker Chris Bevan.

10 PER CENT is a tale of deception and double-crossing in a criminal underworld. Veteran professional thief 'Bad' Eddie Goodman (played by Terry) and his young accomplice Billy take on a dangerous job – to rob powerful ganglord Mr Zhang of £3 million and a huge stash of cocaine. But there is little loyalty among thieves and thugs and the prize is too tempting for anyone to play by the rules. Action, dark humour and tension abound in this short story of gangsters, gunplay and greed.

You can watch it here:

(PLEASE NOTE: CONTAINS STRONG VIOLENCE AND SWEARING)



www.candyjarfilms.co.uk

www.terrycooper.co.uk

SELF-PUBLISH WITH JELLY BEAN!

Candy Jar's sister imprint, Jelly Bean Books, is keen to develop new titles across a range of genres. Whether your idea is fiction, non-fiction, crime, thriller, science fiction, children's (or anything in between!) we'd love to hear from you.

Our partnership publishing package can turn your manuscript into a marketable book. This route combines the benefits of self-publishing with the advantages of traditional publishing.

We provide professional support to all titles accepted on the programme, from initial guidance on the first draft through to publicising and marketing of the final book. Our scheme is very competitive and we always work closely with our authors, respecting the time and effort that has been put into their idea.

Check out our latest video below!

www.candyjarbooks.co.uk

CANDY JAR TAKES A TRIP TO THE AIRPORT!

In September 2013 the Candy Jar team took a trip... to Cardiff airport. Unlike the others there we had different plans. Our mission? To give 400 lucky travellers a free copy of our wonderful new publication See You in September – the perfect travelling companion.

When Joanne Teague became seriously ill and was diagnosed with Vascular Ehlers-Danlos – a rare and still incurable, life-threatening condition – she decided to grab as much life as she could get. Her solution was to spend six months travelling around Europe with her husband and three young children. Their travels were restricted to one continent but we want this book to travel the world.

If you are reading this with a copy in your hand please do read and enjoy it. All we ask is that you leave it somewhere (a train, hotel, coffee shop...) or pass it on to someone once you’re finished so that its adventure can continue.

Please share your experience with friends and keep us updated on its journey via Twitter #SYIS and like See You in September on Facebook.

 http://seeyouinseptember.wordpress.com/

CANDY JAR BOOKS - READ ABOUT OUR CURRENT TITLES!

Summer is drawing to a close, and now is the perfect time to get your autumn reading list ready for the cooler days and longer nights. Candy Jar Books have a wide and diverse range to keep all ages entertained and enthralled as the seasons change, whether you fancy fact or fiction, short stories or novels. Check out our selection of available titles, and be sure to keep your eyes peeled for our eagerly anticipated upcoming releases over the coming months.

Click any of the book covers to find out more.

Beware of the Mirror Man - Benjamin Burford-Jones

When 12 year old Sophie befriends the strange ‘mimics’ living in a TV set, she is horrified to discover a dark power lurking at the edge of the mirrors, threatening to destroy them. She embarks on the trail of an evil curse, but things takes an even darker turn when she discovers a note left for her… BEWARE THE MIRROR MAN!

The first book from Benjamin Burford-Jones, Beware of the Mirror Man is a captivating tale of curses, friends and formidable forces for children aged 9-12.

Silent Mountain - Michelle Briscombe

Jack Jupiter has an unremarkable life – except for his Gran. Following her prophecy of ‘the freeze’, Jack finds more than he could ever have imagined at the frozen lake. Jack needs all his courage and strength to face fantastical creatures and enemies, in order to reveal the secrets of Silent Mountain and discover the truth about his father.

Silent Mountain is the first novel in the series of Jack Jupiter books, written by first time novelist Michelle Briscombe, for children aged 9-12.

Men I Have Known - Eileen Younghusband

Eileen Younghusband’s latest book is an autobiographical account of the friendships and rapport with men, both famous and unknown, that she has cultivated in her life, and the impact they have had on her. Including detailed and personal accounts of meeting men such as Rex Harrison, Dylan Thomas and John Barrowman, Men I Have Known recounts an enthralling 92 years of intrigue, adventure and tragedy.

Companions: Fifty Years of Doctor Who Assistants - Andy Frankham-Allen

Doctor Who has captivated fans with eleven incarnations of the iconic Doctor – but what about the people who helped shape him? Companions provides in-depth accounts of 50 years of assistants, documenting the trials and triumphs, and delving into the men and women who changed the Doctor throughout his adventures.

New Stars for Old - Marc Read

From Aristotle to Newton, Marc Read charts the development of ideas about our solar system by blending together the historical fact of astronomy and its discoveries, with the charming fictional account of those involved. New Stars for Old gives a unique and informative perspective on some of the key ideas that have helped shape our world.

See you in September - Joanne Teague (Sept, 2013)

When Joanne Teague was diagnosed with Vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, she took the decision to make the absolute best of her time left with her family, and embarked on a six month adventure around Europe. See you in September tells the uplifting, hilarious and moving story of the Teague family’s journey, as they negotiate Europe and each other.

Megan Williams

JUST LET IT GO! LATEST VIDEO FROM CANDY JAR

Candy Jar Films has just completed a music video for Cardiff-based gospel singer Michael Mosindi. Michael braved the Welsh weather to film a number of scenes outdoors, facing blizzards and icy winds all for the sake of his music! He and his fellow dancers also filmed inside the stunning banking hall of the Old NatWest Bank Building on Bute Street in Cardiff Bay (home of the Candy Jar offices).

Michael is a rising star on the gospel scene and is looking forward to performing at a number of venues over the coming months, as well as filming another music video for his next single. Michael's EP 'You Make Me Stronger' is available via iTunes and includes the single 'Just Let It Go'.

www.candy-jar.co.uk

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Best wishes for 2013 from all of us here at Candy Jar!

We've got some really exciting projects lined up for this year so subscribe now for our sweet updates!

www.candy-jar.co.uk

CANDY JAR SHOOTS VIDEO PRODUCTION FOR FRIENDS AND HEROES

Cardif-based Candy Jar Films have recently completed a short documentary for animated TV series 'Friends and Heroes'.

We were asked to produce a promotional film that would highlight how schools can make use of the programme as part of Religious Education and the wider curriculum. Iumplementing a variety of video techniques including green screen and tracking shots, we also incorporated clips from the show to ensure a fast-paced and engaging piece that communicated our client's core messages.

Previously broadcast on the BBC, Friends and Heroes is an award-winning animated children's adventure with Bible stories in more than ten languages. Aimed at children aged 6-10 the story follows Macky and Portia and Pontius the Parrot, as they fight for justice against the Roman empire and share the stories of their heroes from the Bible to give them strength and wisdom. Friends and Heroes has been broadcast in countries across every continent and is available for sale on DVD.

"Friends and Heroes were delighted to work with Candy Jar on our schools video project. We found them to be exceedingly professional and easy to work with. Everything was delivered on time and on budget and the resulting video exceeded our expectations!"
- Brett Pitchfork, Marketing Director - Friends and Heroes.

For video production in Cardiff visit www.candyjarfilms.co.uk

AN EX-OFFENDER INTERVIEWS HIMSELF!

Dru Mackenzie was convicted for fraud in 2008 but has since rebuilt his life with the help of friends and family. He now runs a successful coach business with two business partners and is currently developing his career as a TV presenter.

We were asked by Dru to film and edit an interview that would explore his background and help to tell his story – offering up some insights into why he made the mistakes that he did, and how he successfully got himself onto the 'straight and narrow'.

You can watch a clip of the interview here:

Candy Jar Films

MERLYS - COMING SOON FROM JELLY BEAN BOOKS!

Candy Jar Books is pleased to announce its forthcoming title, MERLYS.

Produced through Jelly Bean Books – Candy Jar's Self-Publishing Imprint – this is the début novel of octogenarian Barbara Pontin.

The book is the story of a fiery and headstrong young girl who embarks on a journey of adventure and discovery across South Wales in the sixteenth century.

Merlys and her older brother Jeremy run away from their comfortable and secure home in a Welsh valley after disagreeing with their father over his plans for their future.

They head to the coast, seeking help from their aunt, only to find their lives in danger when Merlys overhears two men talking. One of them – a packman selling buttons, lace and ribbons to farmer’s wives and daughters – is the leader of a gang of thieves, murderers and wreckers.

Merlys learns of their next crime, inspired by information gleaned from idle gossip about wealthy travellers and well-laden ships. When the criminals discover she knows of their intentions, they attempt to silence Merlys – but each time they try, she and her brother manage to escape.

Arriving at the relative safety of their aunt’s home, Merlys and Jeremy soon learn that danger continues to stalk them.

As the criminal underworld of a sleepy coastal town closes in, only time will tell if they both will find peace and – ultimately – happiness.

Merlys will be available from Candy Jar books soon. If you wish to reserve an advance copy via the Candy Jar store, please go here.

CONGRATS TO ATLANTIC DASH BOYS!

Back in summer 2011, Candy Jar helped produce a promotional video for two Welsh Firefighters attempting to row the Atlantic Ocean unsupported.

We're pleased to say that John Haskill and Jamie Windsor made it safely across. Enduring extreme waves, harsh conditions and painful sores, the boys completed the grueling challenge in 45 days, 19 hours and 21 minutes.

Watch the Talisker Whisky Challenge video about John and Jamie here:



www.atlantic-dash.co.uk
www.candy-jar.co.uk

EILEEN YOUNGHUSBAND - A HERO OF WWII

One Woman's War author Eileen Younghusband recently appeared on Channel 4's latest historical documentary 'World War II - The Last Hereos'. Eileen talked about her experiences of hunting V2 rockets in Antwerp in the final stages of the Second World War.

You can watch the documentary on 4OD here.

www.onewomanswar.co.uk
www.candy-jar.co.uk